Hercules Gate Detail

A detailed view of Hercules with the skin of the Nemean Lion on one of the pillars of the Hercules Gate.  The killing of the Nemean Lion was the first of Hercules's twelve "labors."

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The Hercules Gate was at the east end of Curetes Street.  Its present form derives from late antiquity.  Some think that an imperial gateway once stood here.  Both pillars are decorated with representations of Hercules and they narrowed the passageway from the Upper City to the Lower City—effectively blocking off wagon traffic.

Above the pillars, there was an arch with a building inscription and Nike figures with laurel wreaths and palm branches.